Judge Orders Satellite Healthcare to Reinstate Employee & Bargain with Union
TL/DR –
US District Judge Rita F. Lin issued an injunction order requiring Satellite Healthcare, Inc. to reinstate an employee, re-establish a practice of annual wage increases for employees, and negotiate with the SEIU United Healthcare Workers West union. The injunction, which affects over 200 employees across 11 facilities, was issued based on a petition alleging that the healthcare company engaged in unlawful activities, including discharging an employee for participating in protected activity and refusing to negotiate with the union. The injunction is a significant legal victory for the union and aims to prevent harm from the employer’s “repeated and flagrant violation of the Act.”
US District Judge Mandates Reinstatement of Employee and Restoration of Wage Increases at Satellite Healthcare, Inc.
US District Judge Rita F. Lin mandated Satellite Healthcare, Inc., a Vallejo, CA-based employer, to reinstate an employee, to resume its annual wage increases for employees, and to negotiate with the SEIU United Healthcare Workers West. The company must also revoke all unilateral changes to employees’ work terms and conditions, and announce a Board notice to all employees.
This injunction impacts over 200 employees across 11 dialysis and kidney transplant support facilities in the Bay Area. The relief order will remain in effect until the final verdict from the National Labor Relations Board on the primary administrative complaint.
Injunction Based on Allegations of Unfair Labor Practices
This injunction was in response to a request for temporary injunctive relief by Region 20-San Francisco Regional Director Jill H. Coffman under Section 10(j) of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The complaint filed in November 2024 accuses Satellite Healthcare of illegal activities such as wrongful termination of an employee for participating in protected activity, evasion of negotiation with the Union, and illicit changes to employees’ work terms, including the revocation of yearly wage increments.
Legal Victory for Union’s Bargaining Power
The issuance of this injunction marks a significant legal win that bolsters the Union’s bargaining strength. It prevents further harm resulting from Satellite Healthcare’s continual and severe violations of the Act. “This ruling restores the Union to the position it would have held barring Satellite’s unlawful activities,” said Coffman. “It’s a pivotal step in safeguarding employee rights to organise and requiring employers to uphold the law when their employees choose a union as their bargaining representative.”
About the National Labor Relations Board
The National Labor Relations Board, established in 1935, is an independent federal entity safeguarding employees, employers and unions against unfair labor practices. It champions the right of private-sector employees to collaborate, with or without a union, to enhance wages, benefits, and working conditions. Region 20, which covers areas in California, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands, operates from its Regional Office in San Francisco and Subregional Office in Honolulu. More details can be found on the Region 20 home page.
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